Signs of life at Rainbow Springs visitor center

Almost a year after a small fire broke out at the Rainbow Springs State Park visitors center, the building is just now starting to come back to life.

By Carlos E. MedinaCorrespondent

DUNNELLON — Almost a year after a small fire broke out at the Rainbow Springs State Park visitors center, the building is just now starting to come back to life.The January fire, sparked by a heat lamp used to warm an indigo snake, caused little damage. Even Indy, the snake, was hardly affected. But the fire, and water from the sprinkler system, released asbestos in ceiling and flooring materials in the 1960s-era building.A small clean-up became a complex process. The thorough cleaning wasn't completed until May, at a cost of more than $51,000, said Jennifer Diaz, a spokeswoman for the Florida Park Service.The building was briefly open for a few days at the start of fall, but then was closed for further renovation. It will open for a few dates during the annual Santa Over the Rainbow event, which will be held Dec. 14-16 and 21-23.Diaz said it was unclear when the visitors center and gift shop would begin operating with normal hours.She said the current closure is due to "design and construction improvements" and not asbestos issues.Asbestos is highly regulated and is linked to serious lung disease, including cancer and mesothelioma. The material was once widely used in insulation and fireproofing through much of the 1900s. It was used in ceiling tiles and flooring for its fireproofing qualities. The material is naturally occurring and mined.The clean-up inside the park building included removing ceiling tiles and portions of flooring, and giving the entire interior of the building a thorough cleaning. The building's heating and air conditioning system also needed a full cleaning.All this was conducted after the building was sealed and filters and air pumps were installed to prevent any material from escaping. Workers were clothed in full-body protective wear and went through a shower facility before leaving the work area.The park remains open to visitors for swimming, picnics and more. Visit www.floridastateparks.org/rainbowsprings/ for details.